[Childcare] Full of energy! Indoor activity ideas to get kids moving
There are times when the weather or location keeps you from playing outside, right?
You still want to get moving and play with your energetic kids, even just a little.
For teachers who feel this way, here are some ideas for indoor active play.
The games that captivate children vary depending on their age and interests.
This time, we’ve gathered activities that involve different movements and creative thinking—so you’re sure to find ideas that fit your class perfectly!
Kids will be thrilled with games that are possible precisely because they’re indoors.
Teachers, have fun together with the children, too.
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[Childcare] Full of energy! A collection of indoor play ideas to get kids moving (41–50)
giant ball
https://www.tiktok.com/@nacchi_asobi/video/7475009257109376264Let me introduce a giant ball that kids will be super excited about.
The method is very simple: inflate a garbage bag and tie it off to make a large ball shape.
Wrap duct tape around it, and you’re done.
If you change the colors of the tape as you stick it on, it becomes a visually fun ball as well.
Hold it, throw it—use your whole body and play freely with the giant ball.
Another plus is that, since it’s made of plastic, it won’t hurt even if it hits your head or body.
It might also be fun to make several of the same kind and play with them like a maze.
Inside-Outside Game
@kyojifukushikai_staff Inside-Outside Game! Train your judgment and concentration!ExercisePlayChildcare#Nursery schoolNursery teacher / Childcare workerchild
♬ familie – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Listen carefully to the instructions and get moving! Here are some ideas for Inside-Outside games.
The great thing is that people of all ages, from kids to adults, can enjoy them! It’s unique and fun to have children move around while following instructions.
Since you can play both indoors and outdoors, the weather won’t get in the way.
These games help develop reflexes, concentration, and teamwork while you play! The rules are simple and easy to understand, so take this opportunity to give them a try.
cushion hula hoop
You’re only allowed to walk on the cushion strips or inside the hula hoops! Here’s a unique game.
You’ll need two hula hoops, pool noodles, scissors or a utility knife, and masking tape.
Cut the pool noodles or any cushioned material and tape them to the floor—prep done.
Use two hula hoops to make your way to the goal! When you reach the cushioned course, set down a hula hoop and walk on the cushion.
Keeping your balance is trickier than it looks, so give it a try!
stop ball throw
https://www.tiktok.com/@secondhouseayumu/video/7338624401589554440Thinking while moving is fun! Let me introduce a stop-ball throwing activity.
You’ll need colored balls and cards with signs on them.
Place the colored balls on the floor and throw them into a basket.
When a “Stop” card is shown, everyone must freeze—even if they’re in the middle of throwing a ball.
Once kids get used to the rules, it’s fun to add similar-sounding words like “tomato” along with “stop.” Try adapting it while observing the children’s responses.
Touch-in game
@bear_kids_official Group therapy: Touch-in Game. Purpose: - Develop the ability to track with the eyes. - Learn to control the strength of movements. Everyone had fun challenging themselves while cheering each other on 👏Child Development SupportAfter-school day service# developmental support (ryōiku)#Nursery school#KindergartenElementary school
♪ Original Song – BEAR KIDS – BEAR KIDS 🧸 Child Development Support / After-School Day Service
Build tracking and control skills! Here’s a touch-in game idea.
It’s perfect for developing visual focus and a sense of pressure control.
Children try not to let a balloon drop while collecting colored balls from the floor into a basket, letting them have fun and work on their physical abilities at the same time.
Simple yet effective for training concentration, this idea lets kids play by controlling the balloon and colored balls—making it a great indoor game!
Island of Hula Hoops
Work together with your teammates to reach the goal! Here’s an idea for a “Hula Hoop Islands” game.
Prepare five small hula hoops or flat markers.
Form teams of four, line up, and have the person at the front hold the hula hoops.
On the path from the start line to the goal, you may only step inside the hula hoops! When the front person runs out of hula hoops, they should call out to the person at the back.
Once they receive a hula hoop hand-to-hand from a teammate, they continue toward the goal.
It’s also fun to compete head-to-head as teams!
Hoop Helium Ring
@omiyamichinoko Perfect timing 😂 If you don’t know what the helium ring is, check the previous post!#Omiya Michinoko Nursery SchoolNursery teacher / Childcare worker#HulaHoopHappeningcoincidenceRecommendationHelium ring
Nanikore Chin Hyakkei Theme (Pictures at an Exhibition) – Soundworks
Let’s play with a hula hoop! Here’s an idea called the Helium Ring.
All you need is a hula hoop.
Form a circle with 4 to 10 people and hold the hula hoop using only your index fingers.
If your team can lower the hula hoop from chest height to the floor without anyone’s finger losing contact, you win! It’s a great game for building teamwork as you communicate and match your pace.
Adding a time limit makes it thrilling—your urge to hurry will clash with the need to move the hoop slowly, creating a nail-biting challenge.
Give it a try!



